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Pocahontas
In 1607, when John Smith and his "Coatmen" arrive in Powhatan to begin settling the colony of Virginia, their relations with the village's inhabitants are anything but warm. Pocahontas, the beloved daughter of the Powhatan chief, Mamanatowic, is just eleven; but in spite of her age, this astute young girl acts with wisdom and compassion, and plays a fateful, peaceful role in the destinies of two peoples.
Drawing from the personal journals of John Smith, Joseph Bruchac, winner of the American Book Award for Breaking Silence , reveals an important part of history through the eyes of two historic figures.
Drawing from the personal journals of John Smith, Joseph Bruchac, winner of the American Book Award for Breaking Silence , reveals an important part of history through the eyes of two historic figures.
173 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
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491 people want to read
About the author
Joseph Bruchac
279 books597 followersJoseph Bruchac lives with his wife, Carol, in the Adirondack mountain foothills town of Greenfield Center, New York, in the same house where his maternal grandparents raised him. Much of his writing draws on that land and his Abenaki ancestry. Although his American Indian heritage is only one part of an ethnic background that includes Slovak and English blood, those Native roots are the ones by which he has been most nourished. He, his younger sister Margaret, and his two grown sons, James and Jesse, continue to work extensively in projects involving the preservation of Abenaki culture, language and traditional Native skills, including performing traditional and contemporary Abenaki music with the Dawnland Singers.
He holds a B.A. from Cornell University, an M.A. in Literature and Creative Writing from Syracuse and a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from the Union Institute of Ohio. His work as a educator includes eight years of directing a college program for Skidmore College inside a maximum security prison. With his wife, Carol, he is the founder and Co-Director of the Greenfield Review Literary Center and The Greenfield Review Press. He has edited a number of highly praised anthologies of contemporary poetry and fiction, including Songs from this Earth on Turtle's Back, Breaking Silence (winner of an American Book Award) and Returning the Gift. His poems, articles and stories have appeared in over 500 publications, from American Poetry Review, Cricket and Aboriginal Voices to National Geographic, Parabola and Smithsonian Magazine. He has authored more than 70 books for adults and children, including The First Strawberries, Keepers of the Earth (co-authored with Michael Caduto), Tell Me a Tale, When the Chenoo Howls (co-authored with his son, James), his autobiography Bowman's Store and such novels as Dawn Land, The Waters Between, Arrow Over the Door and The Heart of a Chief. Forthcoming titles include Squanto's Journey (Harcourt), a picture book, Sacajawea (Harcourt), an historical novel, Crazy Horse's Vision (Lee & Low), a picture book, and Pushing Up The Sky (Dial), a collection of plays for children. His honors include a Rockefeller Humanities fellowship, a National Endowment for the Arts Writing Fellowship for Poetry, the Cherokee Nation Prose Award, the Knickerbocker Award, the Hope S. Dean Award for Notable Achievement in Children's Literature and both the 1998 Writer of the Year Award and the 1998 Storyteller of the Year Award from the Wordcraft Circle of Native Writers and Storytellers. In 1999, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Native Writers Circle of the Americas.
As a professional teller of the traditional tales of the Adirondacks and the Native peoples of the Northeastern Woodlands, Joe Bruchac has performed widely in Europe and throughout the United States from Florida to Hawaii and has been featured at such events as the British Storytelling Festival and the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesboro, Tennessee. He has been a storyteller-in-residence for Native American organizations and schools throughout the continent, including the Institute of Alaska Native Arts and the Onondaga Nation School. He discusses Native culture and his books and does storytelling programs at dozens of elementary and secondary schools each year as a visiting author.
He holds a B.A. from Cornell University, an M.A. in Literature and Creative Writing from Syracuse and a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from the Union Institute of Ohio. His work as a educator includes eight years of directing a college program for Skidmore College inside a maximum security prison. With his wife, Carol, he is the founder and Co-Director of the Greenfield Review Literary Center and The Greenfield Review Press. He has edited a number of highly praised anthologies of contemporary poetry and fiction, including Songs from this Earth on Turtle's Back, Breaking Silence (winner of an American Book Award) and Returning the Gift. His poems, articles and stories have appeared in over 500 publications, from American Poetry Review, Cricket and Aboriginal Voices to National Geographic, Parabola and Smithsonian Magazine. He has authored more than 70 books for adults and children, including The First Strawberries, Keepers of the Earth (co-authored with Michael Caduto), Tell Me a Tale, When the Chenoo Howls (co-authored with his son, James), his autobiography Bowman's Store and such novels as Dawn Land, The Waters Between, Arrow Over the Door and The Heart of a Chief. Forthcoming titles include Squanto's Journey (Harcourt), a picture book, Sacajawea (Harcourt), an historical novel, Crazy Horse's Vision (Lee & Low), a picture book, and Pushing Up The Sky (Dial), a collection of plays for children. His honors include a Rockefeller Humanities fellowship, a National Endowment for the Arts Writing Fellowship for Poetry, the Cherokee Nation Prose Award, the Knickerbocker Award, the Hope S. Dean Award for Notable Achievement in Children's Literature and both the 1998 Writer of the Year Award and the 1998 Storyteller of the Year Award from the Wordcraft Circle of Native Writers and Storytellers. In 1999, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Native Writers Circle of the Americas.
As a professional teller of the traditional tales of the Adirondacks and the Native peoples of the Northeastern Woodlands, Joe Bruchac has performed widely in Europe and throughout the United States from Florida to Hawaii and has been featured at such events as the British Storytelling Festival and the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesboro, Tennessee. He has been a storyteller-in-residence for Native American organizations and schools throughout the continent, including the Institute of Alaska Native Arts and the Onondaga Nation School. He discusses Native culture and his books and does storytelling programs at dozens of elementary and secondary schools each year as a visiting author.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
August 4, 2012
I read this because my 4-year-old daughter is into Pocahontas, but really only knows the Disney story, which I knew was grossly inaccurate. I wanted to her to know something closer to the truth. I don't know that anyone really knows the truth, but I enjoyed this book as an introduction. I picked it up in the kids section at the library, where I was picking up other kid books on Pocahontas for Ophelia.
The book is written through alternating perspectives of Pocahontas and John Smith, and chronicles the Tassantassuk (outsiders) arrival to Virginia and the year or so of events that led up to John Smith and Pocahontas' meeting. Bruchac uses Algonquin language frequently when writing from Pocahontas' perspective, and Shakespearean language popular in John Smith's time when writing from his perspective.
It have me insight into the relationship between the settlers and the Powhatan, and the misunderstandings on both sides. Most of the bad behavior comes from the settlers side, although John Smith does seem fairly upstanding, and Powhatan takes him in as a son. It's a nice cultural introduction to the Powhatan people, and into how really misguided and idiotic the settlers were in James Town. You almost feel sorry for them, but their stubbornness and pride were their real downfall.
This would be a good book for a younger reader to get a supposedly more accurate intro to Pocahontas' life. She's smart, funny, fun-loving, and very good hearted, and she did contribute to the peace between settlers and the natives for over a decade. Bruchac uses John Smith's own journals and books to write from his perspective, and did extensive research on Pocahontas and the Powhatan people. It's an enjoyable read and recommended for primary to middle school students, I'd say.
The book is written through alternating perspectives of Pocahontas and John Smith, and chronicles the Tassantassuk (outsiders) arrival to Virginia and the year or so of events that led up to John Smith and Pocahontas' meeting. Bruchac uses Algonquin language frequently when writing from Pocahontas' perspective, and Shakespearean language popular in John Smith's time when writing from his perspective.
It have me insight into the relationship between the settlers and the Powhatan, and the misunderstandings on both sides. Most of the bad behavior comes from the settlers side, although John Smith does seem fairly upstanding, and Powhatan takes him in as a son. It's a nice cultural introduction to the Powhatan people, and into how really misguided and idiotic the settlers were in James Town. You almost feel sorry for them, but their stubbornness and pride were their real downfall.
This would be a good book for a younger reader to get a supposedly more accurate intro to Pocahontas' life. She's smart, funny, fun-loving, and very good hearted, and she did contribute to the peace between settlers and the natives for over a decade. Bruchac uses John Smith's own journals and books to write from his perspective, and did extensive research on Pocahontas and the Powhatan people. It's an enjoyable read and recommended for primary to middle school students, I'd say.
January 21, 2019
3.5
I really appreciated the alternating dual perspectives of Pocahontas and John Smith. The story was very well written as well. It was great to get a depiction of the story where Pocahontas was an 11 year old girl and there was no romance to speak of between her and John Smith. It felt authentic and true to history as opposed to the romantic fairy tale version we so often get.
I really appreciated the alternating dual perspectives of Pocahontas and John Smith. The story was very well written as well. It was great to get a depiction of the story where Pocahontas was an 11 year old girl and there was no romance to speak of between her and John Smith. It felt authentic and true to history as opposed to the romantic fairy tale version we so often get.
August 4, 2011
So I wanted the whole story of Pocahontas' life...that is NOT in this book! It was only one year in her life and only until she met John Smith. I wanted to know the rest of the story which was summarized in a page and a half at the end of the book! This book got a whole bunch of 5 star reviews on Amazon and I am now disappointed! Does anyone know of a good non-fiction book on Pocahontas?
June 25, 2025
As a positive, this book contains a lot of information and vocabulary about early Native American/English settler history.
I was a bit put off by the self-interest displayed by the voices of John Smith and Pocohontas, and saddened and angered by the presumption, greed, and lies perpetuated by the settlers of James Fort. I feel much less comfortable about America, the land of opportunity.
I don't love that these feelings don't seem to be the point of the book. Actually, the purpose of the book is either not clear or not helpful, and I wonder how much my students would actually get from it.
I was a bit put off by the self-interest displayed by the voices of John Smith and Pocohontas, and saddened and angered by the presumption, greed, and lies perpetuated by the settlers of James Fort. I feel much less comfortable about America, the land of opportunity.
I don't love that these feelings don't seem to be the point of the book. Actually, the purpose of the book is either not clear or not helpful, and I wonder how much my students would actually get from it.
November 10, 2022
I had to read this for school. It was ok. I didn't realize how wrong the movies got the story of Pocahontas.
July 28, 2012
A true account of the Pocahontas/John Smith encounter told via journal entries by both characters. Well-researched and loaded with difficult words and sentence structures (from Shakespearean English), this important book is a great opportunity for people to learn about the true account of Pocahontas, who helped keep the longest period of peace between the English settlers and the Powhatan tribe (a dinky 7 years). Also rich in Powhatan culture and mythology, and contains a glossary of Powhatan words.
November 9, 2018
I never really liked History books to be honest- they just never really captured my eyes or mind. This one especially did not giving the fact that I hated the John Smith chapters- the Pocahontas ones were much better, but still, they only took up half of the book. The reason why I really didn't like his chapters were because he wrote in that William Shakespeare way of writing that I so hate.
Joseph Bruchac did not go at all into her love life with John Rolf, who came after John Smith. This book only focused on her life when the settlers came to North America and the blood that came with it. This book didn't mention Rolf at all, though I would have liked to know why Pocahontas married him? I probably will learn that soon.
Joseph Bruchac did not go at all into her love life with John Rolf, who came after John Smith. This book only focused on her life when the settlers came to North America and the blood that came with it. This book didn't mention Rolf at all, though I would have liked to know why Pocahontas married him? I probably will learn that soon.
March 15, 2021
It took me a bit to get into the alternating viewpoints and the “ye olde” language John Smith uses especially, but once I did I really enjoyed this. I wish it had been longer, it ended just as I was really getting into it.
Good introduction to the true story of Pocahontas. I will probably have my kids read it one day.
Good introduction to the true story of Pocahontas. I will probably have my kids read it one day.
March 23, 2018
My generation has grown up with the 1995 film Pocahontas, which informed pretty much all we knew about Pocahontas and Jamestown as children. Of course, Disney took intense liberties with the true story as it always does. Pocahontas was actually a young girl when she “saved” John Smith, and they were never romantically linked. Also, John Smith’s supposed reputation was actually a Powhatan ritual intended to adopt Smith into their confederacy.
I really want to revisit this novel at some point because I continue to find the history of Pocahontas and how her story has been reinterpreted and retold fascinating. I think it’s interesting the author drew heavily from John Smith’s writing, which has a heavy bias, but I remember it being balanced somewhat when I read it so maybe it wasn’t a problem. I also think Bruchac, who has Native American ancestry, is the right author to tell this story. It is clear that he was meticulous in his research and crafting historical fiction that is interesting without losing the facts along the way.
Overall, Pocahontas is very well-written and engaging. I’m not sure I was a fan of the dual narration because I don’t think we need to continue to make John Smith such an important part of her story. I would have preferred it to be exclusively Pocahontas’s story, but it is still an excellent read. Recommended especially for middle school students.
I really want to revisit this novel at some point because I continue to find the history of Pocahontas and how her story has been reinterpreted and retold fascinating. I think it’s interesting the author drew heavily from John Smith’s writing, which has a heavy bias, but I remember it being balanced somewhat when I read it so maybe it wasn’t a problem. I also think Bruchac, who has Native American ancestry, is the right author to tell this story. It is clear that he was meticulous in his research and crafting historical fiction that is interesting without losing the facts along the way.
Overall, Pocahontas is very well-written and engaging. I’m not sure I was a fan of the dual narration because I don’t think we need to continue to make John Smith such an important part of her story. I would have preferred it to be exclusively Pocahontas’s story, but it is still an excellent read. Recommended especially for middle school students.
November 19, 2012
Although fictionalized, it is obvious from the complexity of the story that Bruchac did research into the John Smith and Pocahontas story. I loved the alternating view points: one chapter was Pocahontas’ narration, and the next would be Captain John Smith. Their voices were unique. I really enjoyed seeing how the same event was interpreted in such different ways by the two groups. Bruchac is himself of Native American heritage, and his sensitivity to the complexity of the situation gave him amble motive to get it right. He also has an afterward noting the sources he referenced. Pocahontas is a well rounded historical fiction that examines the complex and dynamic friendship that Captain Smith and Pocahontas developed. I highly recommend this book for the strong middle school reader or the young adult interested in Pocahontas.
June 9, 2015
The book Pocahontas was written by Joseph Bruchac. After watching the Disney movie and reading this book I found that the book is more into detail about what happened. Even though I enjoyed the movie but I wasn't a big fan of the book. I think the book was really confusing.
I found this book confusing because of the way the book is built and the text. In this book the point of view is switched between John Smith and Pocahontas. To me, switching point of view can't really give me an idea of what's happening in the chapter. It was also confusing when they the Powhatan speech in there. I couldn't understand it till the end of the book where I found the glossary.
The book was not the best book for me. Most people would probably argue with me. To be honest, I'm probably the most pick writer ever. This book to me was not interesting.
I found this book confusing because of the way the book is built and the text. In this book the point of view is switched between John Smith and Pocahontas. To me, switching point of view can't really give me an idea of what's happening in the chapter. It was also confusing when they the Powhatan speech in there. I couldn't understand it till the end of the book where I found the glossary.
The book was not the best book for me. Most people would probably argue with me. To be honest, I'm probably the most pick writer ever. This book to me was not interesting.
March 29, 2010
Ok so here is what I liked about this book: the story is told from alternating viewpoints, between Pocahontas and John Smith. This makes for really interesting storytelling because rather portraying one side as an aggressor and one side as a victim, it shows more of a lack of understanding between two cultures. There are examples of both parties, Native Americans and white settlers, assuming that the other held similar values when that was not the case. It subverted a few stereotypes-- it didn't show Pocahontas' people as being always peaceful or always violent. There were also several author's notes at the end, including a pronunciation guide for the Indian words and also an explanation of the sources he used.
February 10, 2011
I thought this book was good. I have seen the movie and now I have read the book too. I liked both but the book was definitely a little more descriptive than the movie. Usually when I read books I have an image in my head throughout the whole book of where everything is and what it looks like, but since this book is also a movie, it kind of ruined the imagination part of reading it. I think I would have like it a lot better if I hadn't seen the movie before because I started to get bored with it since I knew what was going to happen the whole time.
January 28, 2013
I really liked how the perspective alternated between Pochahontas and John Smith. It gave good insight to just how much the two cultures misunderstood each other. I liked Pochahontas' perspective better than John Smith's because it was less wordy and easier to follow.
I must say I was disappointed that the book only built up to the characters meeting and then shortly summarized the events that occured after they met. I was hoping to gain more insight to what occured after the two met, but other than that a very good book.
I must say I was disappointed that the book only built up to the characters meeting and then shortly summarized the events that occured after they met. I was hoping to gain more insight to what occured after the two met, but other than that a very good book.
Read
January 10, 2011Well this book is fairly interesting so far. It is coming to my attention about the past. It gives me alot of history to look at. The Chief is very friendly but as well as ready to fight. Also he has his favorite daughter by his side just for laughs, and that is Pocahontas. Pocahontas means Who Makes Mischieves.(Wow I sound so professional.)
March 21, 2016
2.5 stars...Not really what I thought it would be. I really enjoyed beginning of each Pocahontas chapter that explored her tribe's belief in creation, life, and afterlife. Other than that, it was pretty blah. I would think this would be very hard for a junior high or high school student to understand or enjoy.
February 17, 2012
This book is okay so far but i am more into scary books not history!!!! The only reason I'm reading this is because i have to for my reading class and i am only on page 13 when there is 173 pages!!! I have to finish this book on Dec 7 or 8...... I have to write facts about the book too!!! Boring!!!
March 18, 2016
This was a hard read, as it is written in the style of a Native American and as a European colonist in the 1600s. A bit slow, but written in the Native American tradition. Excellent book if you need literature to supplement a research project.
May 5, 2017
Told from the alternating points of view of Pocahontas and John Smith.
May 23, 2008
This was an interesting book because it gave you both an Old World and New World perspective.
January 12, 2009
this is a book about pocahontas and john smith that is way to discriptive
May 24, 2009
This was very interesting since it is told from pocahontas's and John Smith's point of view.
August 5, 2009
Not only was it a let down from the dramatic Disney romance, but it was inconsistantly written and hard to comprehend.
September 19, 2009
This books is very good. It draws entries from John Smith's journals. I highly recommend it to everyone!!
March 19, 2010
I tried to read this but I kept falling asleep. Though it seemed like a good book.
November 17, 2010
The Pocahontas point of view in the alternating chapters is very intriguing.
April 15, 2012
Definitely not what I expected, I was wondering where was the rest of the book -.-
July 8, 2013
Love the alternating perspectives. A bit difficult to understand at times, but generally well done.
April 2, 2014
Stopped reading it. Just couldn't get it into it. Had a hard time with the way the author portrayed these characters. Enjoyed Blood on the River much better!
October 12, 2014
It was alright. Good narrated but the ending didn't feel very conclusive. The story felt a bit un-necessary after all that had gone on for nothing. No payoff
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews